Yakupov, others out of CHL showcase

Though he’s returned to the Sarnia Sting lineup, 2012 draft eligible standout Nail Yakupov will not be available to Team Cherry at the 2012 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Despite playing in all three games for the Sting this weekend, general manager Jacques Beaulieu announced this morning Yakupov would not be available to participate in the event, pitting 40 of the Canadian Hockey League’s top draft eligible talent against each other in the annual showcase.

“Dr. R. Giffin of the Fowler Kennedy Clinic in London has advised the hockey club that it is in the best interest of the player not to partake in the Top Prospects game on Wednesday in Kelowna,” Beaulieu said in a release.

Yakupov originally suffered a knee injury while representing Russia at the World Junior Championship. The injury was suffered in overtime against Sweden in the gold medal game. After playing in three games this weekend, there was hope Yakupov could participate in the showcase.

The possible first overall pick isn’t the only one out of the game. Ottawa 67’s defenseman Cody Ceci, Olli Maatta of the London Knights and Charles Hudon of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens will also miss the event due to injury. Saskatoon Blades’ Dalton Thrower has been added to the Team Orr roster while Dane Fox of the Erie Otters and Dillon Fournier of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies will compete for Team Cherry.